Great philosophers not only produce powerful ideas, they create new ways
of thinking and communicating. Plato's written Dialogues changed
philosophy, Aristotle's logical syllogisms still set the foundation for
much thinking, and Aquinas' method of writing in Summa Theologica
stands as a fundamental format in debate. You can learn to write
using Aquinas' method. If you do so, you will add a powerful tool
to your communication repertoire. Here is an explanation:

Each of the articles of Summa Theologica is focused on answering
a specific question. Aquinas notes that clear questions can be answered
in two ways - in the affirmative (yes) and in the negative (no).
An answer to a question is not complete until it considers both sides
(yes and no). Aquinas knew quite well what positions he wanted to
promote. Still, he always gave serious consideration to the positions
and arguments of opposing views. He did this by a method of thesis
and antithesis.

Step 1: Ask the
question (the issue to be considered)

Step 2: State the antithesis and give
the best arguments for it. The antithesis is the position
on the question opposite to the one that Aquinas is out to prove.
These are called the objections.

Step 3: State the thesis and give
the best arguments for it. The thesis is the position on the
question that Aquinas is out to prove.

Step 4: Refute each of the arguments
for the antithesis by a strong counter argument. These are called
replies to the objections.

Here is a diagram of how this method may be used. Use the diagram to
find each of the steps listed above. Note the relations between
the steps.

This is more than just a way to write down some ideas.
It is formula for structured reasoning. One does not just write
this way, one must think this way in order to make it work. Now
the way of thinking involved here does not presuppose any specific claims
or beliefs. Though, for Aquinas, to think and write and talk in
a tightly reasoned way, is to emulate the intelligent structure of the
universe, and so to move steadily along the path of truth. This
is a remarkable achievement and you should do yourself the benefit of
trying it out.